Hydraulic Brakes-Help
#1
Thread Starter
Street Rider

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Bikes: 2004 Specialized P.3
Hydraulic Brakes-Help
I just got a new bike a couple days ago (04 P.3) and Ive hit the trails at C.O.P once. my front brake (8" rotor) seems to rub against the brake pads almost as if the rotors warped, but I've checked the rotor and it dosnt seem to be warped. Please help me on this. I've used the search function but couldn't come up with an answer. O ya and my brakes are Hayes HFX 9
#2
First nono of hydros, Don't keep the bike resting upsidedown on the seat/handlebars.
My suggestion is to check the how the rotor sits between the pads. It should be in the middle. If it is not, you may have to add spacers to the caliper.
I saw this once, and think it is a fluke, but on some XT's the pads were unevenly set. the pad to left was pushed out a little more than the pad to the right. After popping the cap on the resevoir, pushing the pads all the way in, and then rebleeding... that took care of it.
Since this is new, I would take it back to the bike shop and have them go over it, should hopefully be part of their service policy on new bikes.
Best pit of advice I can give, get somone to help bleed the back brake.
My suggestion is to check the how the rotor sits between the pads. It should be in the middle. If it is not, you may have to add spacers to the caliper.
I saw this once, and think it is a fluke, but on some XT's the pads were unevenly set. the pad to left was pushed out a little more than the pad to the right. After popping the cap on the resevoir, pushing the pads all the way in, and then rebleeding... that took care of it.
Since this is new, I would take it back to the bike shop and have them go over it, should hopefully be part of their service policy on new bikes.
Best pit of advice I can give, get somone to help bleed the back brake.
#4
Thread Starter
Street Rider

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Bikes: 2004 Specialized P.3
Ya I was looking at the rotor and it sits right on the caliper, i think i will take it into the shop and have it checked out, that would be easier, but i just want to learn for myself if it happens later and i dont have access to a shop
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,963
Likes: 1
From: Parrish, FL
Bikes: Lots
You need to adjust the position of the caliper. Do you have any "feeler" gauges for setting the gaps on spark plugs?
Regardless, find a very thin piece of metal or a thick piece of paper. Wedge it between the brake pad and the rotor. Then squeeze the lever and strap a rubber band around it to keep it pulled.
Then loosen the bolts holding the caliper to the frame. Wiggle the caliper. Force it a bit. Make sure it's loose. Then retighten. This should shift the caliper in the direction away from where it rubs.
L8R
Regardless, find a very thin piece of metal or a thick piece of paper. Wedge it between the brake pad and the rotor. Then squeeze the lever and strap a rubber band around it to keep it pulled.
Then loosen the bolts holding the caliper to the frame. Wiggle the caliper. Force it a bit. Make sure it's loose. Then retighten. This should shift the caliper in the direction away from where it rubs.
L8R
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
#9
Thread Starter
Street Rider

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Bikes: 2004 Specialized P.3
ok i tried what you said a2p and it seems to have fixed the problem for now, but the rotor is still riding a little close to the caliper so i'll have to watch out for that
#11
Originally Posted by }P.3/RiDeR{
I just got a new bike a couple days ago (04 P.3) and Ive hit the trails at C.O.P once. my front brake (8" rotor) seems to rub against the brake pads almost as if the rotors warped, but I've checked the rotor and it dosnt seem to be warped. Please help me on this. I've used the search function but couldn't come up with an answer. O ya and my brakes are Hayes HFX 9
The noise won't do any damage providing the wheel isn't really binding badly.





